Tebogo Msimanga |
A 29-year-old man, Kelebogile Lebogang Makamu appeared in the Kempton Park Regional Court on Friday on charges of illegal dealings in rhino horns. In February this year, Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime in Germiston followed up on intelligence regarding a suspicious consignment at a warehouse at Oliver Tambo International Airport (ORTIA).
Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu of Gauteng Hawks’ said upon arrival, police found eighteen pieces of rhino horns weighing about 72 kilograms wrapped and concealed in boxes. “Further investigation revealed that the consignment was declared as computer scraps and destined for Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.”
The suspect was positively linked and identified as Kelebogile Lebogang Makamu which resulted in the warrant of arrest being issued.
Mulumu added that the investigation team pounced on the suspect at his residence in Kopanong Section, Tembisa on Friday, where they executed the warrant of arrest.
Makamu was granted R20 000 bail. The case is postponed to 14 September 2021 for further investigation.